SURAT THANI, THAILAND – Seven minor but shallow earthquakes were recorded near the Rajjaprabha Dam over about 13 hours, prompting inspections but causing no reported damage.
Seven tremors in quick succession
According to measurement data, the quakes were recorded seven times within a single day, with epicentres in the area surrounding the Rajjaprabha Dam. Residents in Khao Phang reported that some of the vibrations were clearly noticeable.
All of the tremors occurred at a very shallow depth of around one kilometre. Such shallow quakes can produce perceptible shaking even when the magnitude is relatively low.
Daytime sequence on 8 March
In the early afternoon, instruments registered three light earthquakes. The sequence began at 12:37 p.m. with a magnitude of 1.8, followed by a 1.9 event at 1:59 p.m. and another 1.8 at 2:03 p.m.
Later in the afternoon, the strength increased. At 5:41 p.m., sensors recorded a quake with a magnitude of 3.5, followed by another tremor of 2.4 at 5:59 p.m.
Night-time quakes into 9 March
During the night, two further tremors were detected in close succession. At 1:08 a.m., monitoring equipment measured a quake with a magnitude of 1.8, followed at 1:17 a.m. by another event measuring 1.7.
Residents in the area continued to feel light shaking, but there were no immediate reports of damage linked to the night-time quakes.
No damage reported, dam deemed stable
After initial checks, authorities stated that there were no reports of damage to houses or property. There were also no injuries or fatalities associated with the series of tremors.
A detailed inspection of the Rajjaprabha Dam found no indications of any impact on its structure or operational systems. Engineers concluded that the integrity and functioning of the dam remained unchanged.
Authorities maintain close monitoring
The Ban Ta Khun district coordinated with community leaders and local administrative organisations to continue monitoring the situation, according to local media. Officials aimed to ensure that any potential effects of the quakes would be detected quickly.
Parallel inspections were ongoing to determine whether damage might have occurred that residents had not yet noticed or reported. These follow-up checks were intended to provide additional assurance to the local population.
Dam management stresses transparency
Subin Netsawaeng, director of the Rajjaprabha Dam, said inspections had confirmed the facility’s stability and that the earthquakes had not affected the dam.
“The inspections confirmed the stability of the facility, and the earthquakes did not affect the dam.”
said Subin Netsawaeng, director of the Rajjaprabha Dam.
At the same time, he announced that the relevant agencies would continue to track developments in the area. The aim was to uphold public confidence in the safety of the dam.
Memories of Koh Samui tremor
The events revived memories of a smaller quake on Koh Samui in November of the previous year, which had a magnitude of 2.4. Despite its modest strength, that tremor had woken many people from their sleep.
Although the magnitude was low, residents on Koh Samui at the time reported loud noises and vibrations. They described furniture and household items as visibly shaking during the incident.